funding: monthly stipend during their Fellowship, both during their time in New York and, for the United Nations – Nippon Foundat
source-url: https://opportunitydesk.org/2026/07/09/unnf-oalos-fellowship-2027/
apply-url: https://indico.un.org/event/1024919
The UN-Nippon Fellowship on Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea is a 9-month program that provides mid-level government officials and professionals from developing states with advanced training in ocean affairs. The program is divided into two phases: a 3-month training program at the United Nations Headquarters in New York and a 6-month research placement at an academic institution. The fellowship includes a monthly stipend and aims to support the implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
Overview
The UN-Nippon Fellowship program aims to provide participants with the necessary knowledge and skills to support their states in the implementation of the legal framework set out in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. The program covers various topics, including maritime zones and maritime boundary delimitation, national and regional ocean policy, coastal zone management, and conservation and sustainable management of marine living resources.
- Maritime zones and maritime boundary delimitation
- National and regional ocean policy
- Coastal zone management
- Conservation and sustainable management of marine living resources
- Maritime transport and shipping
- Maritime security
- Protection and preservation of the marine environment
- Marine science and related fields
Eligibility
To qualify for the UN-Nippon Fellowship, applicants must be between 25 and 45 years old, hold at least a first university degree or an equivalent qualification, and demonstrate the ability to undertake advanced academic research and study. They must also be a national of a developing state and a mid-level government official or mid-level professional working directly on ocean affairs and/or the law of the sea.
- Be between 25 and 45 years of age
- Hold at least a first university degree or an equivalent qualification
- Demonstrate the ability to undertake advanced academic research and study
- Be a national of a developing State
- Be a mid-level government official or mid-level professional working directly on ocean affairs and/or the law of the sea
- Have a strong command of spoken and written English
Funding & Benefits
- Monthly stipend during the 9-month fellowship program
- Opportunity to undertake advanced academic research and study in ocean affairs
- Networking opportunities with other professionals in the field
- Support for the development and implementation of national ocean policies and the legal regime established by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea
How to Apply
To apply for the UN-Nippon Fellowship, applicants must complete and sign the 2027 UNNF OALOS Application Form – Personal History and Proposed Research/Study Programme, complete the Nomination Form signed and stamped by the nominating authority, and have a copy of their valid national passport ready for upload.
- Complete and sign the 2027 UNNF OALOS Application Form – Personal History and Proposed Research/Study Programme
- Complete the Nomination Form, signed and stamped by the nominating authority
- Have a copy of your valid national passport ready for upload
- Submit your application through the Indico platform
Why This Matters
The UN-Nippon Fellowship program offers a unique opportunity for mid-level government officials and professionals from developing states to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to support the implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. The program's focus on ocean affairs and the law of the sea makes it an attractive option for those interested in pursuing a career in this field. The monthly stipend and research placement opportunities also make it an attractive option for those looking to advance their careers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duration of the UN-Nippon Fellowship program?
The UN-Nippon Fellowship program is a 9-month program, consisting of a 3-month training program at the United Nations Headquarters in New York and a 6-month research placement at an academic institution.
What is the eligibility criteria for the UN-Nippon Fellowship program?
To qualify for the UN-Nippon Fellowship, applicants must be between 25 and 45 years old, hold at least a first university degree or an equivalent qualification, and demonstrate the ability to undertake advanced academic research and study.
What is the language requirement for the UN-Nippon Fellowship program?
All Fellowship activities are conducted in English, and applicants must have a strong command of spoken and written English.
Can I apply for the UN-Nippon Fellowship program if I am not a national of a developing state?
No, the UN-Nippon Fellowship program is only open to nationals of developing states.
What is the deadline for applying to the UN-Nippon Fellowship program?
The deadline for applying to the UN-Nippon Fellowship program is September 13, 2026.
What kind of support does the UN-Nippon Fellowship program offer?
The UN-Nippon Fellowship program offers a monthly stipend during the 9-month fellowship program, as well as support for the development and implementation of national ocean policies and the legal regime established by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.